Crystalline compound as semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) enzyme inhibitor

ABSTRACT

A specific crystalline mesylate salt form of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate, and the use of the same in medicine. (Formula (I)).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the crystalline mesylate salt form of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate, to methods of production and isolation, to pharmaceutical compositions which include this compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and to pharmaceutical methods of treatment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activity is an enzyme activity expressed by Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 (VAP-1) or Amine Oxidase, Copper Containing 3 (AOC3), belongs to the copper-containing amine oxidase family of enzymes (EC.1.4.3.6). Therefore inhibitors of the SSAO enzyme may also modulate the biological functions of the VAP-1 protein.

SSAO activity has been found in a variety of tissues including vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle tissue, endothelium, and adipose tissue [Lewinsohn, Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 1984, 17, 223-256; Nakos & Gossrau, Folia Histochem. Cytobiol. 1994, 32, 3-10; Yu et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 1994, 47, 1055-1059; Castillo et al., Neurochem. Int 1998, 33, 415-423; Lyles & Pino, J. Neural. Transm. Suppl. 1998, 52, 239-250; Jaakkola et al., Am. J. Pathol. 1999, 155, 1953-1965; Morin et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2001, 297, 563-572; Salmi & Jalkanen, Trends Immunol. 2001, 22, 211-216]. In addition, SSAO protein is found in blood plasma and this soluble form appears to have similar properties as the tissue-bound form [Yu et al., Biochem. Pharmacol. 1994, 47, 1055-1059; Kurkijärvi et al., J. Immunol. 1998, 161, 1549-1557].

The precise physiological role of this abundant enzyme has yet to be fully determined, but it appears that SSAO and its reaction products may have several functions in cell signalling and regulation. For example, recent findings suggest that SSAO plays a role in both GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake [Enrique-Tarancon et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1998, 273, 8025-8032; Morin et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2001, 297, 563-572] and adipocyte differentiation [Fontana et al., Biochem. J. 2001, 356, 769-777; Mercier et al., Biochem. J. 2001, 358, 335-342]. In addition, SSAO has been shown to be involved in inflammatory processes where it acts as an adhesion protein for leukocytes [Salmi & Jalkanen, Trends Immunol. 2001, 22, 211-216; Salmi & Jalkanen, in “Adhesion Molecules: Functions and Inhibition” K. Ley (Ed.), 2007, pp. 237-251], and might also play a role in connective tissue matrix development and maintenance [Langford et al., Cardiovasc. Toxicol. 2002, 2(2), 141-150; Göktürk et al., Am. J. Pathol. 2003, 163(5), 1921-1928]. Moreover, a link between SSAO and angiogenesis has recently been discovered [Noda et al., FASEB J. 2008, 22(8), 2928-2935], and based on this link it is expected that inhibitors of SSAO have an anti-angiogenic effect.

Several studies in humans have demonstrated that SSAO activity in blood plasma is elevated in conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammation [Lewinsohn, Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 1984, 17, 223-256; Boomsma et al., Cardiovasc. Res. 1997, 33, 387-391; Ekblom, Pharmacol. Res. 1998, 37, 87-92; Kurkijärvi et al., J. Immunol. 1998, 161, 1549-1557; Boomsma et al., Diabetologia 1999, 42, 233-237; Meszaros et al., Eur. J. Drug Metab. Pharmacokinet. 1999, 24, 299-302; Yu et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 2003, 1647(1-2), 193-199; Mátyus et al., Curr. Med. Chem. 2004, 11(10), 1285-1298; O'Sullivan et al., Neurotoxicology 2004, 25(1-2), 303-315; del Mar Hernandez et al., Neurosci. Lett. 2005, 384(1-2), 183-187]. It has been suggested that reactive aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide produced by endogenous amine oxidases contribute to the progression of cardiovascular diseases, diabetic complications and Alzheimer's disease [Callingham et al., Prog. Brain Res. 1995, 106, 305-321; Ekblom, Pharmacol. Res. 1998, 37, 87-92; Yu et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 2003, 1647(1-2), 193-199; Jiang et al., Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol. 2008, 34(2), 194-204]. Furthermore, the enzymatic activity of SSAO is involved in the leukocyte extravasation process at sites of inflammation where SSAO has been shown to be strongly expressed on the vascular endothelium [Salmi et al., Immunity 2001, 14(3), 265-276; Salmi & Jalkanen, in “Adhesion Molecules: Functions and Inhibition” K. Ley (Ed.), 2007, pp. 237-251]. Accordingly, inhibition of SSAO has been suggested to have a therapeutic value in the prevention of diabetic complications and in inflammatory diseases [Ekblom, Pharmacol. Res. 1998, 37, 87-92; Salmi et al., Immunity 2001, 14(3), 265-276; Salter-Cid et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2005, 315(2), 553-562].

WO2007/146188 teaches that blocking SSAO activity inhibits leucocyte recruitment, reduces the inflammatory response, and is expected to be beneficial in prevention and treatment of seizures, for example, in epilepsy.

O'Rourke et al (J Neural Transm. 2007; 114(6):845-9) examined the potential of SSAO inhibitors in neurological diseases, having previously demonstrated the efficacy of SSAO inhibition in a rat model of stroke. An SSAO inhibitor is tested on relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model that shares many characteristics with human multiple sclerosis. The data demonstrates the potential clinical benefit of small molecule anti-SSAO therapy in this model and therefore in treatment of human multiple sclerosis.

SSAO knockout animals are phenotypically overtly normal but exhibit a marked decrease in the inflammatory responses evoked in response to various inflammatory stimuli [Stolen et al., Immunity 2005, 22(1), 105-115]. In addition, antagonism of its function in wild type animals in multiple animal models of human disease (e.g. carrageenan-induced paw inflammation, oxazolone-induced colitis, lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation, collagen-induced arthritis, endotoxin-induced uveitis) by the use of antibodies and/or small molecules has been shown to be protective in decreasing the leukocyte infiltration, reducing the severity of the disease phenotype and reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines [Kirton et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 2005, 35(11), 3119-3130; Salter-Cid et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2005, 315(2), 553-562; McDonald et al., Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry 2007, 42, 229-243; Salmi & Jalkanen, in “Adhesion Molecules: Functions and Inhibition” K. Ley (Ed.), 2007, pp. 237-251; Noda et al., FASEB J. 2008 22(4), 1094-1103; Noda et al., FASEB J. 2008, 22(8), 2928-2935]. This anti-inflammatory protection seems to be afforded across a wide range of inflammatory models all with independent causative mechanisms, rather than being restricted to one particular disease or disease model. This would suggest that SSAO may be a key nodal point for the regulation of the inflammatory response, and it is therefore likely that SSAO inhibitors will be effective anti-inflammatory drugs in a wide range of human and animal diseases. VAP-1 has also been implicated in the progression and maintenance of fibrotic diseases including those of the liver and lung. Weston and Adams (J Neural Transm. 2011, 118(7), 1055-64) have summarised the experimental data implicating VAP-1 in liver fibrosis, and Weston et al (EASL Poster 2010) reported that blockade of VAP-1 accelerated the resolution of carbon tetrachloride induced fibrosis. In addition VAP-1 has been implicated in inflammation of the lung (e.g. Singh et al., 2003, Virchows Arch 442:491-495) suggesting that VAP-1 blockers would reduce lung inflammation and thus be of benefit to the treatment of cystic fibrosis by treating both the pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory aspects of the disease.

SSAO (VAP-1) is up regulated in gastric cancer and has been identified in the tumour vasculature of human melanoma, hepatoma and head and neck tumours (Yoong K F, McNab G, Hubscher S G, Adams D H. (1998), J Immunol 160, 3978-88; Irjala H, Salmi M, Alanen K, Gre´nman R, Jalkanen S (2001), Immunol. 166, 6937-6943; Forster-Horvath C, Dome B, Paku S, et al. (2004), Melanoma Res. 14, 135-40.). One report (Marttila-lchihara F, Castermans K, Auvinen K, Oude Egbrink M G, Jalkanen S, Griffioen A W, Salmi M. (2010), J Immunol. 184, 3164-3173.) has shown that mice bearing enzymically inactive VAP-1 grow melanomas more slowly, and have reduced tumour blood vessel number and diameter. The reduced growth of these tumours was also reflected in the reduced (by 60-70%) infiltration of myeloid suppressor cells. Encouragingly VAP-1 deficiency had no effect on vessel or lymph formation in normal tissue.

For the above reasons, it is expected that inhibition of SSAO will reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory enzyme products (aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide and ammonia) whilst also decreasing the adhesive capacity of immune cells and correspondingly their activation and final extra-vasation. Diseases where such an activity is expected to be therapeutically beneficial include all diseases where immune cells play a prominent role in the initiation, maintenance or resolution of the pathology, such inflammatory diseases and immune/autoimmune diseases. Examples of such diseases include multiple sclerosis, arthritis and vasculitis.

An unmet medical need exists for new and improved inhibitors of SSAO. WO2010/031789 (the content of which is herein incorporated by reference) discloses a promising class of SSAO inhibitor compounds, especially promising is Example 16, which is the free base of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate, and has the following structure:

The free base of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate is an hygroscopic amorphous glass/gum. There is a need to produce (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate in a pure and crystalline form to enable formulations to meet exacting pharmaceutical requirements and specifications. It is desirable that the active ingredient is produced in a form which is amenable to large-scale production. It is desirable that the product is in a form that is readily filterable and easily dried. It is desirable also that the product is stable for extended periods of time without the need for specialised storage conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The applicant has discovered a crystalline form of the mesylate salt of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]-pyridine-5-carboxylate having surprisingly improved properties over the known free base. The improved properties include high thermal stability, ease of filtration, ease of drying, and reduced hygroscopicity.

The mesylate salt (i.e the methanesulphonic acid salt) of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate is shown to be highly crystalline by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and polarised light microscopy (PLM). The improved thermal stability is demonstrated by the high melting point of 189° C. The reduced hygroscopicity is demonstrated by the stability of the crystalline salt for up to three days storage at a temperature of 40° C. in an environment having a relative humidity of 75%. The present invention includes a composition comprising the crystalline mesylate salt of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]-pyridine-5-carboxylate, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

The crystalline mesylate salt of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate is expected to be useful in the treatment of inflammation, an inflammatory disease, an immune or an autoimmune disorder, or inhibition of tumour growth. In an embodiment the the inflammation or inflammatory disease or immune or autoimmune disorder is arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis), synovitis, vasculitis, Sjogren's disease, a condition associated with inflammation of the bowel (including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome), atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy, a pulmonary inflammatory disease (including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome), a fibrotic disease (including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)), an inflammatory disease of the skin (including contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis), an inflammatory disease of the eye (including age related macular degeneration, uveitis and diabetic retinopathy), systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, an inflammatory and/or autoimmune condition of the liver (including autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune cholangitis), diabetes (type I or II) and/or the complications thereof, chronic heart failure, congestive heart failure, an ischemic disease (including stroke and ischemia-reperfusion injury) or myocardial infarction and/or the complications thereof, or epilepsy.

The present invention includes the use of the crystalline mesylate salt of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]-pyridine-5-carboxylate in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of the above-mentioned conditions and diseases. The invention also includes methods for treatment or prevention of such conditions and diseases, comprising administering to a mammal, including man, in need of such treatment an effective amount of a compound as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the XRPD of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate free base.

FIG. 2 shows the XRPD of crystalline of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate salt. The XRPD is run in duplicate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

“Treatment” as used herein includes prophylaxis of the named disorder or condition, or amelioration or elimination of the disorder once it has been established.

“An effective amount” refers to an amount of a compound that confers a therapeutic effect on the treated subject. The therapeutic effect may be objective (i.e., measurable by some test or marker) or subjective (i.e., subject gives an indication of or feels an effect).

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” means being useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes being useful for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use.

Unless stated to the contrary, the term “(3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate” as used in connection with the crystalline salt form described herein includes a mixture of the (3S,4S) and (3R,4R) enantiomers. In an embodiment (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate, and salts thereof, has an absolute purity of >95%, preferably >99%, more preferably >99.5%. In an embodiment (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate means the (3S,4S) enantiomer having an enantiomeric purity of >95%, preferably >99%, more preferably >99.5%. In an embodiment (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate has a diastereoisomeric purity of >95%, preferably >99%, more preferably >99.5%.

Compositions

For clinical use, the crystalline compound of the invention is formulated into pharmaceutical formulations for various modes of administration. It will be appreciated that the compound of the invention may be administered together with a physiologically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may be administered by any suitable route, preferably by oral, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), sublingual, transdermal, intrathecal, transmucosal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intradermal) administration.

Other formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., tablets and sustained release capsules, and in liposomes, and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy. Pharmaceutical formulations are usually prepared by mixing the active substance, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with conventional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients. Examples of excipients are water, gelatin, gum arabicum, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, sodium starch glycolate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium stearate, talcum, colloidal silicon dioxide, and the like. Such formulations may also contain other pharmacologically active agents, and conventional additives, such as stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, flavouring agents, buffers, and the like. Usually, the amount of active compounds is between 0.1-95% by weight of the preparation, preferably between 0.2-20% by weight in preparations for parenteral use and more preferably between 1-50% by weight in preparations for oral administration.

The formulations can be further prepared by known methods such as granulation, compression, microencapsulation, spray coating, etc. The formulations may be prepared by conventional methods in the dosage form of tablets, capsules, granules, powders, syrups, suspensions, suppositories or injections. Liquid formulations may be prepared by dissolving or suspending the active substance in water or other suitable vehicles. Tablets and granules may be coated in a conventional manner. To maintain therapeutically effective plasma concentrations for extended periods of time, the compound of the invention may be incorporated into slow release formulations.

The dose level and frequency of dosage of the specific compound will vary depending on a variety of factors including the potency of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the patient's age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the condition to be treated, and the patient undergoing therapy. The daily dosage may, for example, range from about 0.001 mg to about 100 mg per kilo of body weight, administered singly or multiply in doses, e.g. from about 0.01 mg to about 25 mg each. A typical total daily dosage for a human is 1 to 2000 mg/day, preferably from 200 to 2000 mg/day, more preferably from 500 to 2000 mg/day. Normally, such a dosage is given orally but parenteral administration may also be chosen.

Experimental Methods

Analytical Methods

X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD)

X-Ray Powder Diffraction patterns were collected on a Bruker AXS C2 GADDS diffractometer using Cu Kα radiation (40 kV, 40 mA), automated XYZ stage, laser video microscope for auto-sample positioning and a HiStar 2-dimensional area detector. X-ray optics consisted of a single Göbel multilayer mirror coupled with a pinhole collimator of 0.3 mm. A weekly performance check is carried out using a certified standard NIST 1976 Corundum (flat plate). The beam divergence, i.e. the effective size of the X-ray beam on the sample, was approximately 4 mm. A θ-θ continuous scan mode was employed with a sample to detector distance of 20 cm which gives an effective 2θ range of 3.2°-29.7°. Typically the sample would be exposed to the X-ray beam for 120 seconds. The software used for data collection was GADDS for WNT 4.1.16 and the data were analysed and presented using Diffrac Plus EVA v 9.0.0.2 or v 13.0.0.2. Samples run under ambient conditions were prepared as flat plate specimens using powder as received without grinding. Approximately 1-2 mg of the sample was lightly pressed on a glass slide to obtain a flat surface. Samples run under non-ambient conditions were mounted on a silicon wafer with heat conducting compound. The sample was then heated to the appropriate temperature at ca 10° C./min and subsequently held isothermally for ca 1 min before data collection was initiated.

Alternatively, X-Ray Powder Diffraction patterns were collected on a Bruker D8 diffractometer using Cu Kα radiation (40 kV, 40 mA), θ-2θ goniometer, and divergence of V4 and receiving slits, a Ge monochromator and a Lynxeye detector. The instrument is performance checked using a certified Corundum standard (NIST 1976). The software used for data collection was Diffrac Plus XRD Commander v2.5.0 and the data were analysed and presented using Diffrac Plus EVA v 11.0.0.2 or v 13.0.0.2. Samples were run under ambient conditions as flat plate specimens using powder as received. Approximately 20 mg of the sample was gently packed into a cavity cut into polished, zerobackground (510) silicon wafer. The sample was rotated in its own plane during analysis. The details of the data collection are—angular range: 2 to 42° 2θ; step size: 0.05° 2θ; collection time: 0.5 s/step.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

¹H NMR spectra were collected on a Bruker 400 MHz instrument equipped with an auto sampler and controlled by a DRX400 console. Automated experiments were acquired using ICONNMR v4.0.4 (build 1) running with Topspin v 1.3 (patch level 10) using the standard Bruker loaded experiments. For non-routine spectroscopy, data were acquired through the use of Topspin alone. Samples were prepared in d6-DMSO, unless otherwise stated. Off-line analysis was carried out using ACD SpecManager v 12.00 (build 29094). Alternatively, ¹H NMR spectra were collected on a Bruker Avance III 400 MHz QNP Ultrashield Plus Cryo.

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS)

Analytical LCMS was performed on an Agilent 1100 HPLC system with a Waters ZQ mass spectrometer using a Phenomenex Synergi column (RP-Hydro, 150×4.6 mm, 4 um, 1.5 mL/min, 30° C., gradient 5-100% MeCN (+0.085% TFA) in water (+0.1% TFA) over 7 min—held for 0.5 min, 200-300 nm).

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

DSC data were collected on a TA Instruments Q2000 equipped with a 50 position autosampler. The calibration for thermal capacity was carried out using sapphire and the calibration for energy and temperature was carried out using certified indium. Typically 0.5-3 mg of each sample, in a pin-holed aluminium pan, was heated at 10° C./min from 25° C. to 350° C. A purge of dry nitrogen at 50 mL/min was maintained over the sample. Modulated temperature DSC was carried out using an underlying heating rate of 2° C./min and temperature modulation parameters of ±1.27° C./min and 60 seconds. The instrument control software was Advantage for Q Series v2.8.0.392 and Thermal Advantage v4.8.3 and the data were analysed using Universal Analysis v4.3A.

Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)

TGA data were collected on a TA Instruments Q500 TGA, equipped with a 16 position autosampler. The instrument was temperature calibrated using certified Alumel and Nickel. Typically 5-30 mg of each sample was loaded onto a pre-tared platinum crucible and aluminium DSC pan, and was heated at 10° C./min from ambient temperature to 350° C. A nitrogen purge at 60 mL/min was maintained over the sample. The instrument control software was Advantage for Q Series v2.8.0.392 and Thermal Advantage v4.8.3

Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM)

Samples were studied on a Leica LM/DM polarised light microscope with a digital video camera for image capture. A small amount of each sample was placed on a glass slide, mounted in immersion oil and covered with a glass slip, the individual particles being separated as well as possible. The sample was viewed with appropriate magnification and partially polarised light, coupled to a lambda false-colour filter.

Hot Stage Microscopy (HSM) [Melting Point]

Hot Stage Microscopy was carried out using a Leica LM/DM polarised light microscope combined with a Mettler-Toledo MTFP82HT hot-stage and a digital video camera for image capture. A small amount of each sample was placed onto a glass slide with individual particles separated as well as possible. The sample was viewed with appropriate magnification and partially polarised light, coupled to a lambda false-colour filter, whilst being heated from ambient temperature typically at 10-20° C./min.

Chemical Purity Determination by HPLC

Purity analysis was performed on an Agilent HP1100 series system equipped with a diode array detector and using ChemStation software vB.02.01-SR1 using the method detailed below (Table 1).

TABLE 1 Sample Preparation 0.5 mg/ml in acetonitrile:water 1:1 Column Supelco Ascentis Express C18, 100 × 4.6 mm, 2.7 μm Column Temperature (° C.) 25 Injection (μl) 5 Wavelength, Bandwidth (nm) 255, 90 nm Flow Rate (ml · min⁻¹) 2.0 Phase A 0.1% TEA in water Phase B 0.085% TEA in acetonitrile Timetable: Time (min) % Phase A % Phase B 0 95 5 6 5 95 6.2 95 5 8 95 5 Chiral Purity Determination by Chiral HPLC

Chiral HPLC was performed on an Agilent 1200 system using an Astec Chirobiotic T 100×4.6 mm 5 um column, polar reverse phase, 150×4.6 mm, 5 um, isocratic 85% MeOH 15% 20 mM ammonium acetate over 10 min, 1.0 mL/min, 220 nm.

Water Determination by Karl Fischer Titration (KF)

The water content of each sample was measured on a Mettler Toledo DL39 Coulometer using Hydranal Coulomat AG reagent and an argon purge. Weighed solid samples were introduced into the vessel on a platinum TGA pan which was connected to a subaseal to avoid water ingress. Approx 10 mg of sample was used per titration and duplicate determinations were made.

Gravimetric Vapour Sorption (GVS)

Sorption isotherms were obtained using a SMS DVS Intrinsic moisture sorption analyser, controlled by DVS Intrinsic Control software v1.0.0.30. The sample temperature was maintained at 25° C. by the instrument controls. The humidity was controlled by mixing streams of dry and wet nitrogen, with a total flow rate of 200 mL/min The relative humidity was measured by a calibrated Rotronic probe (dynamic range of 1.0-100% RH), located near the sample. The weight change, (mass relaxation) of the sample as a function of % RH was constantly monitored by the microbalance (accuracy ±0.005 mg). Typically 5-20 mg of sample was placed in a tared mesh stainless steel basket under ambient conditions. The sample was loaded and unloaded at 40% RH and 25° C. (typical room conditions). A moisture sorption isotherm was performed as outlined below (2 scans giving 1 complete cycle). The standard isotherm was performed at 25° C. at 10% RH intervals over a 0.5-90% RH range. Data analysis was undertaken in Microsoft Excel using DVS Analysis Suite v6.0.0.7. Method parameters for SMS DVS intrinsic experiments: adsorption scan 1 40-90; desorption/adsorption scan 2 90-0, 0-40; intervals (% RH) 10; number of scans 4; flow rate (mL/min) 200; temperature (° C.) 25; stability (° C./min) 0.2; sorption time (h) 6 h time out. The sample was recovered after completion of the isotherm and re-analysed by XRPD.

Ion Chromatography (IC)

Data were collected on a Metrohm 761 Compact IC (for cations) and a Metrohm 861 Advanced Compact IC (for anions) using IC Net software v2.3. Accurately weighed samples were prepared as stock solutions in an appropriate dissolving solution and diluted 1:9 prior to testing. Quantification was achieved by comparison with standard solutions of known concentration of the ion being analysed. IC Method Parameters for Anion Chromatography: type of method—anion exchange; column—Metrosep A Supp 5-250 (4.0×250 mm); column temperature (° C.) ambient; injection (μl) 20; detection—conductivity detector; flow rate (mL/min) 0.7; eluent 3.2 mM sodium carbonate, 1.0 mM sodium hydrogen carbonate in 5% aqueous acetone.

Results

Crystalline mesylate salt was isolated and characterised using some or all of XRPD, ¹H NMR, DSC, TGA, GVS, IC, PLM, HSM, HPLC and KF (see Table 2).

Summary Properties of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate Free Base and Crystalline Mesylate Salt

TABLE 2 Sample Form MP Hygroscopicity Free base Amorphous — Deliquesced at gum 25° C./60% RH in <24 h Crystalline Crystalline 189° C. Deliquesced at mesylate solid 40° C./75% RH after salt 3 days Stability/Hygroscopicity During Long Term Storage

Crystalline (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate was also assessed for stability and hygroscopicity when dispensed in 3 g aliquots in double LDPE liners, sealed with cable tie and placed, with a desiccant pouch into a foil bag, which was subsequently heat-sealed. The foil bag was then placed into an HDPE keg fitted with an HDPE lid. These conditions mirror typical GMP level storage conditions. Stability was assessed by HPLC and hygroscopicity was assessed by Karl Fisher (KF) titration. Crystalline (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate degraded by only 0.1% with no water uptake over 3 years at 25° C./60% RH, and by only 0.1% with only 0.1% water uptake after 6 months at 40° C./75% RH.

Single Crystal X-Ray Diffraction (SXRPD)

Data were collected on an Oxford Diffraction Supernova Dual Source, Cu at zero, Atlas CCD diffractometer equipped with an Oxford Cryosystems Cobra cooling device. The data was collected using CuKα radiation. Structures were typically solved using either SHELXS or SHELXD programs and refined with the SHELXL program as part of the Bruker AXS SHELXTL suite. Unless otherwise stated, hydrogen atoms attached to carbon were placed geometrically and allowed to refine with a riding isotropic displacement parameter. Hydrogen atoms attached to a heteroatom were located in a difference Fourier synthesis and were allowed to refine freely with an isotropic displacement factor.

Single Crystal Structure Determination

A single crystal of (3S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate was grown by slow evaporation from ethyl acetate/methanol.

The structure solution was obtained by direct methods, full-matrix least-squares refinement on F² with weighting w⁻¹=σ²(F_(o) ²)+(0.0490P)²+(0.3000P), where P=(F_(o) ²+2Fc²)/3, anisotropic displacement parameters. Empirical absorption correction using spherical harmonics, implemented in SCALE3 ABSPACK scaling algorithm.

Absolute structure parameter=0.002(13). Final wR²={Σ[w(F_(o) ²−Fc²)²]/Σ[w(F_(o) ²)²]^(1/2)}=0.0657 for all data, conventional R₁=0.024 on F values of 2651 reflections with F_(o)>4σ(F_(o)), S=1.007 for all data and 234 parameters. Final Δ/σ(max) 0.000, Δ/σ(mean), 0.000.

Final difference map between +0.24 and −0.288 e Å⁻³.

The solved crystal structure parameters were as follows (Table 3):

TABLE 3 Molecular C₁₅H₂₅N₃O₆S formula Molecular weight 375.44 Crystal system Orthorhombic Space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) a 8.75780(10)Å, α 90°, b 9.70830(10)Å, β 90°, c 20.6736(2)Å, γ 90°, V 1757.74(3)Å³ Z 4 D_(c) 1.419 g · cm⁻³ μ 1.975 mm⁻¹ Source, λ Cu-Kα, 1.5418Å F(000) 800 T 100(2)K Crystal Colourless block, 0.09 × 0.05 × 0.02 mm Data truncated to 0.80 Å θ_(max) 62.35° Completeness 99.2% Reflections 13291 Unique 2736 reflections R_(int) 0.0256

The atomic co-ordinates were as follows:

x y z S1 −0.953688 −0.131935 −0.071370 O1 −0.020659 −0.149398 −0.484602 O2 −0.234768 −0.155566 −0.365860 O3 −0.474652 −0.066100 −0.365092 O4 −0.912055 −0.134194 −0.140238 O5 −1.110792 −0.173740 −0.060477 O6 −0.844708 −0.208722 −0.032208 N1 −0.412770 −0.253710 −0.303870 N2 −0.617297 −0.224842 −0.147335 H2A −0.722228 −0.196131 −0.146105 N3 −0.392648 −0.259773 −0.107928 H3A −0.324241 −0.261543 −0.081273 C1 0.073273 −0.055487 −0.449929 H1A 0.096656 0.026304 −0.476759 H1B 0.170449 −0.099983 −0.437205 C2 −0.017615 −0.014548 −0.390676 H2B −0.004410 0.084643 −0.381074 H2C 0.014557 −0.068772 −0.352479 C3 −0.183226 −0.046385 −0.408629 H3B −0.249376 0.037232 −0.405075 C4 −0.171565 −0.096071 −0.477738 H4B −0.248192 −0.168773 −0.486334 H4C −0.188739 −0.019057 −0.508271 C5 −0.383218 −0.150898 −0.346637 C6 −0.560166 −0.254872 −0.270030 H6B −0.616936 −0.169106 −0.281832 C7 −0.521333 −0.248342 −0.198878 C8 −0.536619 −0.232888 −0.092882 H8A −0.575742 −0.221293 −0.050370 C9 −0.379700 −0.269963 −0.174418 C10 −0.240769 −0.305362 −0.212417 H10A −0.184330 −0.381585 −0.191434 H10B −0.172218 −0.224586 −0.215739 C11 −0.296381 −0.348962 −0.279498 H11A −0.208892 −0.350915 −0.309809 H11B −0.339647 −0.443040 −0.277151 C12 −0.659963 −0.380274 −0.288449 H12A −0.612652 −0.464685 −0.269297 C13 −0.664766 −0.397753 −0.361667 H13A −0.560447 −0.406134 −0.378360 H13B −0.714279 −0.317374 −0.381222 H13C −0.722663 −0.480993 −0.372510 C14 −0.821261 −0.366359 −0.261740 H14A −0.816850 −0.355260 −0.214661 H14B −0.880046 −0.449226 −0.272353 H14C −0.870697 −0.285637 −0.281016 C15 −0.939731 0.041434 −0.046714 H15A −0.966523 0.048834 −0.000821 H15C −1.009980 0.097844 −0.072401 H15B −0.834933 0.074003 −0.053214 X-Ray Powder Diffraction

The powder X-ray diffraction pattern of the mesylate salt of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate had peaks at 8.549, 9.851, 10.899, 12.295, 13.198, 13.393, 14.083, 15.897, 16.280, 17.097, 17.744, 18.289, 19.694, 20.180, 20.443, 20.597, 20.886, 21.948, 22.112, 22.444, 23.194, 23.653, 24.144, 24.714, 25.292, 25.590, 25.810, 26.526, 26.765, 27.084, 27.283, 27.662, 28.159, 28.996, 29.135, 29.912 and 30.868 degrees 2θ. To take into account normal experimental variation, the peaks identified above should be regarded as having an accuracy of up to +/−0.2 degrees 2θ, such as +/−0.1, +/−0.05, +/−0.01, +/−0.005, and +/−0.001. The relative intensities of these peaks were as follows (Table 4):

TABLE 4 Angle Intensity (2-Theta °) (%) 8.549 3.7 9.851 24.2 10.899 7.2 12.295 2.3 13.198 6.9 13.393 4.9 14.083 4.2 15.897 3.3 16.280 23.7 17.097 13.7 17.744 47.0 18.289 7.4 19.694 21.5 20.180 4.2 20.443 18.1 20.597 7.3 20.886 42.8 21.948 100.0 22.112 22.5 22.444 4.5 23.194 14.5 23.653 21.9 24.144 11.8 24.714 3.3 25.292 4.1 25.590 5.3 25.810 4.3 26.526 4.0 26.765 4.0 27.084 17.2 27.283 10.5 27.662 3.4 28.159 9.8 28.996 5.3 29.135 4.1 29.912 10.5 30.868 5.0

SYNTHESIS

The following abbreviations have been used:

-   Aq Aqueous -   DCM Dichloromethane -   DI PEA Diisopropylethylamine -   ee Enantiomeric excess -   ES⁺ Electrospray -   EtOAc Ethyl acetate -   h Hour(s) -   HPLC High performance liquid chromatography -   HRMS High resolution mass spectrometry -   LCMS Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry -   M Molar -   MeOH Methanol -   [MH⁺] Protonated molecular ion -   min Minutes -   RP Reverse phase -   MS Mass spectrometry -   R_(T) Retention time -   sat Saturated -   THF Tetrahydrofuran -   TFA Trifluoroacetic acid     Experimental Methods

All reagents were commercial grade and were used as received without further purification, unless otherwise specified. Reagent grade solvents were used in all cases.

Analytical LCMS was performed on a Waters ZQ mass spectrometer connected to an Agilent 1100 HPLC system. Analytical HPLC was performed on an Agilent 1100 system. High-resolution mass spectra (HRMS) were obtained on an Agilent MSD-TOF connected to an Agilent 1100 HPLC system. During the analyses the calibration was checked by two masses and automatically corrected when needed. Spectra are acquired in positive electrospray mode. The acquired mass range was m/z 100-1100. Profile detection of the mass peaks was used. Flash chromatography was performed on either a CombiFlash Companion system equipped with RediSep silica columns or a Flash Master Personal system equipped with Strata SI-1 silica gigatubes. Reverse Phase HPLC was performed on a Gilson system (Gilson 322 pump with Gilson 321 equilibration pump and Gilson 215 autosampler) equipped with Phenomenex Synergi Hydro RP 150×10 mm, YMC ODS-A 100/150×20 mm or Chirobiotic T 250×10 mm columns. Reverse phase column chromatography was performed on a Gilson system (Gilson 321 pump and Gilson FC204 fraction collector) equipped with Merck LiChroprep® RP-18 (40-63 μm) silica columns. The compounds were automatically named using ACD 6.0. All compounds were dried in a vacuum oven overnight.

Analytical HPLC and LCMS data were obtained with:

System A: Phenomenex Synergi Hydro RP (C18, 30×4.6 mm, 4 μm), gradient 5-100% CH₃CN (+0.085% TFA) in water (+0.1% TFA), 1.5 mL/min, with a gradient time of 1.75 min, 200 nm, 30° C.; or

System B: Phenomenex Synergi Hydro RP (C18, 150×4.6 mm, 4 μm), gradient 5-100% CH₃CN (+0.085% TFA) in water (+0.1% TFA), 1.5 mL/min with a gradient time of 7 min, 200 nm, 30° C.

Chiral HPLC data were obtained with:

System C: Chirobiotic V polar ionic mode (150×4.6 mm), 70% MeOH in 10 mM aq ammonium formate buffer, 1.0 mL/min, over 10 min, 200 nm, 30° C.

Intermediate 1 4-Isopropyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine hydrochloride

Histamine dihydrochloride (61.9 g, 336 mmol) was dissolved in a solution of NaOH (33.6 g, 841 mmol) in water (125 mL) and MeOH (500 mL), and isobutyraldehyde (61.4 mL, 672 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux at 80° C. for 24 h, cooled to room temperature, the pH was adjusted to 7 with 1 M aq HCl solution (250 mL) and the solvents were removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in warm MeOH (300 mL), allowed to stand for 1 h, filtered and the solvents were removed in vacuo. The residue was stirred in MeOH (50 mL) and acetone (400 mL) for 2 h and was cooled to 4° C. for 2 h. The resulting precipitate was filtered and washed with acetone (100 mL) to give 4-isopropyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine hydrochloride (33.0 g, 48.7%) as a white solid.

Analytical LCMS: purity >90% (System A, R_(T)=0.51 min), ES⁺: 166.4 [MH]⁺.

Intermediate 2 4-Nitrophenyl 4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate

Intermediate 1 (2.78 g, 8.28 mmol, 60% pure) and DIPEA (5.27 mL, 30.3 mmol) were dissolved in DCM (100 mL). The reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and 4-nitrophenyl chloroformate (4.07 g, 20.2 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The reaction mixture was washed with sat aq NaHCO₃ solution (5×100 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvents were removed in vacuo to give 4-nitrophenyl 4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate (5.28 g, crude) as a yellow gum.

Analytical HPLC: purity 41% (System B, R_(T)=4.70 min); Analytical LCMS: purity 86% (System A, R_(T)=1.70 min), ES⁺: 331.0 [MH]⁺.

(3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate

NaH (0.40 g, 10.0 mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) was suspended in anhydrous THF (20 mL), cooled to 0° C. and (S)-3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran (0.88 g, 0.68 mL, 10.0 mmol) was added. The suspension was stirred at 0° C. for 30 min then added to a solution of Intermediate 2 (3.30 g, 10.0 mmol, 70% pure) in THF (60 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature. Two additional such portions of NaH and (S)-3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran in THF were added after 5 and 29 h, respectively. After 2 d the reaction mixture was quenched with water (10 mL) and the solvents were removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL), washed with 1 M aq Na₂CO₃ solution (4×100 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvents were removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography (normal phase, 20 g, Strata SI-1, silica gigatube, DCM (200 mL) followed by 2%, 4% and 5% MeOH in DCM (200 mL each)) and reverse phase HPLC (YMC ODS-A 100×20 mm, 5 μm, 25 mL/min, gradient 30% to 60% (over 7 min) then 100% (3 min) MeOH in 10% MeOH/water) to give (3S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl 4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate (34.8 mg, 1.1%) as a white solid.

Analytical HPLC: purity 100% (System B, R_(T)=3.63 min); Analytical LCMS: purity 100% (System B, R_(T)=4.01 min), ES⁺: 280.1 [MH]⁺.

(3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate (39.91 mg) was dissolved in 10 mM ammonium formate buffer and MeOH (2 mL, 1:1) and purified twice by reverse phase chiral HPLC (Chirobiotic T 250×10 mm, 3 mL/min, isocratic run 70% MeOH in 10 mM ammonium formate buffer (40 min), pH 7.4) to give a single diastereoisomer, (3S)-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate (6.90 mg, 99% ee).

Analytical HPLC: purity 100% (System B, R_(T)=3.63 min); Chiral HPLC: purity 99.5% (System C, R_(T)=2.22 min); Analytical LCMS: purity 100% (System B, R_(T)=3.90 min), ES⁺: 280.1 [MH]⁺; HRMS calculated for C₁₄H₂₁N₃O₃: 279.1583, found 279.1571.

(3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate, Methananesulfonic Acid Salt

(3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]-pyridine-5-carboxylate free base (460 mg, 1.65 mmol) was dissolved in EtOAc (10 mL) at room temperature to give a clear colourless solution. Methanesulphonic acid (107 uL) was added portion-wise with gentle heating. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration, washed with EtOAc (2×10 mL) and dried overnight at 40° C. in vacuo. (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate salt was obtained with a 99% yield (615 mg) as a white crystalline solid. HPLC: Retention time 2.27 min, purity 99.5%. Melting point: 189° C. LCMS: Retention time 4.19 min, ES⁺280.0 [MH]⁺, 100% purity. Chiral HPLC: Retention time 3.70 min, >99.5% de. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ_(H) 8.72 (1H, m, NHCHNH⁺), 5.29 (1H, m, OCH), 5.05 (0.5H, d, J 8.4 Hz, CCHN), 4.89 (0.5H, d, J 7.6 Hz, CCHN), 4.59 (0.5H, m, NCH _(A)CH_(B)), 4.39 (0.5H, m, NCH _(A)CH_(B)), 3.97-3.85 (4H, m, CH ₂OCH ₂), 3.20 (1H, m, NCH_(A)CH _(B)), 2.89 (3H, s, CH ₃SO₃ ⁻), 2.89-2.72 (2H, m, CCH ₂CH₂N), 2.23-2.07 (3H, m, CH(CH₃)₂, OCH₂CH ₂), 1.16 (3H, d, J 6.4 Hz, CH ₃) and 1.06-0.96 (3H, m, CH ₃). 

The invention claimed is:
 1. Crystalline (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate salt having the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), and unit cell dimensions substantially as follows: a  8.75780(10)Å α 90° b  9.70830(10)Å, β 90°, c 20.6736(2)Å, γ 90°.


2. Crystalline (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate salt having an XRPD pattern containing the following 2θ value measured using CuKα radiation: 21.948.
 3. The salt according to claim 2 having an XRPD pattern containing the following 2θ values measured using CuKα radiation: 17.744 and 21.948.
 4. The salt according to claim 2 having an XRPD pattern containing the following 2θ values measured using CuKα radiation: 17.744, 20.886, 21.948.
 5. The salt according to claim 2 having an XRPD pattern containing the following 2θ values measured using CuKα radiation: 17.744, 20.886, 21.948, and 9.851.
 6. The salt according to claim 2 having an XRPD pattern containing the following 2θ values measured using CuKα radiation: 17.744, 20.886, 21.948, 9.851 and 16.280.
 7. The salt according to claim 2 having an XRPD pattern containing the following 2θ values measured using CuKα radiation: 9.851, 16.280, 17.097, 17.744, 19.694, 20.443, 20.886, 21.948, 22.112, 23.194, 23.653, 24.144, 27.084, 27.283 and 29.912.
 8. The salt according to claim 2 having an XRPD pattern as set out in Table 4 and/or FIG.
 2. 9. A salt according to claim 1 having a purity of greater than 95%.
 10. A salt according to claim 1 having a purity of greater than 99%.
 11. A salt according to claim 1 having a purity of greater than 99.5%.
 12. A salt according to claim 1 having an enantiomeric purity of greater than 95%.
 13. A salt according to claim 1 having an enantiomeric purity of greater than 99%.
 14. A salt according to claim 1 having an enantiomeric purity of greater than 99.5%.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a salt according to claim 1, and one or more suitable excipients.
 16. A process of making crystalline (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate salt by forming the mesylate salt from the free base of (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate.
 17. A process according to claim 16 wherein the mesylate salt is formed by addition of methanesulphonic acid to the free base.
 18. Crystalline (3S)-Tetrahydrofuran-3-yl (4S)-4-isopropyl-1,4,6,7-tetrahydro-5H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-5-carboxylate mesylate obtained by the process according to claim
 16. 